A cross-border operation between South Africa and Botswana, has achieved good outcomes in fighting cross-border crimes along shared borders with the neighbouring country.
The operation, which started on Thursday, September 5 and it ended on Sunday, September 9, focused on illegal activities related to transnational crimes, as well as strict enforcement of border management activities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, said that the police targeted the Van Zylsrus, Witdraai, Gembok, Twee Rivieren, Middleputs and Makatiesrus areas.
The operation aimed to address drug smuggling, undocumented immigration and other forms of cross-border crime.
Members from various divisions, including Border Police, Border Intelligence and Stock theft and Endangered Species worked together to combat crime.
They were supported by SANParks and the Border Management Agency under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Riddles.
The teams accomplished several actions, such as compliance checks, vehicle checkpoints and border patrols.
“Four vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) were conducted on the Van Zylsrus road and the Upington/Rietfontein roads, during which 229 vehicles and 674 persons were stopped and searched,” Sam said.
The operation led to 33 compliance visits and several fines related to traffic, gambling and liquor offences.
The police also confiscated drugs, including dagga and arrested one undocumented person for violating immigration laws.
The provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, emphasised that policing cross-border crimes is the key to control smuggling and other crimes.
She has also said the police’s commitment will remain ensuring the safety of both countries.
IOL News